Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Sinn Féin MLA Paul Butler has raised concerns over the location of a chicken waste incinerator power plant on the shores of Lough Neagh close to Glenavy. This incinerator will be a blight on the landscape in an area which is regarded as one of Ireland's best areas of outstanding natural beauty and high scenic value.

The local community are vehemently opposed to this plant. The company behind the proposals Rose Energy should now abandon their plans.

Paul Butler was speaking ahead of an Assembly debate that will take place at Stormont tomorrow about the proposed incinerator plant.

"I have asked the Assembly to debate this matter and I welcome the opportunity that this will happen this Tuesday. During this debate I will voice my strong opposition to any incinerator plant at Glenavy. I am supporting the residents and I will be asking Arlene Foster who will be present for the debate not to give this plant planning permission.

"I have raised a number of concerns with Arlene Foster and Environment & Heritage Service (EHS), in relation to pollution incidents that have been reported over odour emanating from the existing plant at the Glenfarm Holdings Glenavy site. This incinerator plant presently burns offal and there have been numerous complaints about odour and pollution of local rivers over the years said Paul Butler.

"Local residents are anxious and apprehensive that the poultry industry will be allowed to build a huge incinerator on the shores of Lough Neagh without proper consultation or due regards to existing odour complaints and fears over emissions and health related matters.

"I am also fearful that this proposed incinerator plant will use water from Lough Neagh which is the main source of drinking water for the north of Ireland." Críoch